Local News
Church opens its doors to campers to raise money
VISITORS to Watlington can now sleep in one of the town’s churches as part of a fundraising initiative. St Leonard’s Church in Pytron Lane has joined a number of others around the country to allow guests to stay in the building overnight. “Champing” (camping in church) was thought up by the ...
Drama as firefighters rescue boys from fairground ride
THREE boys were trapped for almost an hour when a funfair ride jammed. Firefighters couldn’t free them from their seats because the safety braces wouldn’t open. The drama at the funfair on the Hills Meadow car park in Caversham began at about 4pm on Sunday when the arms of the Ramba Zamba ride s...
Fensome runner-up in first A-level tournament of season
PHYLLIS Court players crowded the semi-finals of the first Croquet England A-Level (0+) Series tournament of the season but missed out on the win to Wingrave’s Paul Gunn, who beat Helena Fensome in the final. The two-day tournament is in the third tier of national competitions and was jointly host...
Big Hymn Sing
THE third Big Hymn Sing will be held at All Saints’ Church in Dunsden on Sunday, May 26. The evening event, which last took place in 2022, will comprise group singing and poetry recitals. It will be hosted by composer and broadcaster Adrian Vernon Fish while organist Sean O’Connell will accompan...
French quiz
| A QUIZ night will be held at Watlington town hall tonight (Friday) from 7.30pm. It is in aid of the town’s twinning association, and visitors from Mansle, France, will be there. There will be a short presentation on Mansle and a bar with French wine and coffee. |
Band concert
| A BAND called Young Rocks will perform at Watlington Sports Club tomorrow (Saturday) from 7pm. Entry is free but donations to the club would be welcomed. |
Girls’ cricket
CRICKET sessions for women and girls have started at Kidmore End Cricket Club. Training is held at the club in Gallowstree Common every Tuesday at 6pm for girls and 6.30pm for women. No previous experience is necessary. A taster session will be held on Sunday, April 28 from 10.30am....
Plans for homes at airfield not ruled out
An application to build more than 3,000 houses at Chalgrove Airfield could still go ahead. Homes England is continuing to pursue the planning application to redevelop the land despite the Liberal Democrats removing the site from its new local plan for South Oxfordshire District Council. Since taking...
Theft foiled
| A BURGLARY attempt was made on a house in Cromwell Road, Henley, burglary on Friday. Police said entry was attempted via the bifold doors at the rear of the property, which were damaged in the process. |
Tough Mudder
| THE Tough Mudder event will be held at the Culden Faw Estate, Hambleden, on May 18 and 19. The obstacle course features a range of categories. To sign up, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdzduuws |
Housing trust sells homes to save costs
FIVE houses in Henley are to be sold by a housing association in order to save costs. The Henley and District Housing Trust wants to sell Barnaby Cottages in New Street and use the proceeds to buy newer properties elsewhere in the town to add to its portfolio. The cottages, which were bought by the ...
Book a stall
| BOOKINGS for stalls at this year’s Watlington Christmas market are now being taken. The market will take place on December 7. Outdoor stalls cost £25 and indoor stalls cost £30. To book a stall, visit www.watlingtonchristmas market.co.uk |
Pub manager
| A NEW manager has started at a pub in Hurley. Alicia Corlett has joined the Bonwick family, who own the Dew Drop Inn. She previously worked at chef Dominic Chapman’s Beehive pub in White Waltham, which he sold in January. |
Crime advice
A FREE rural crime prevention event will be hosted by Thames Valley Police in Ipsden. It will be held at the SOX Brewery on Thursday, May 16, from 6.30pm to 8pm. Police officers will give local updates and security product information and there will be an opportunity to meet individuals and organisa...
Citizens Advice now offers email service
HENLEY Citizens Advice has added email requests to its list of client services. The charity provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues, including debt, benefits, housing and employment. The Henley branch has about 40 skilled volunteers, who helped more than 75...
History day
A FREE family history beginner course will be held at Henley library on May 21 from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Visitors will be taught where to find birth, marriage and death certificates and how to use UK Census records. Some basic computer skills are required. Spaces are limited. To book, call 01865 81527...
Steve finally loses
THE BBC has dropped Henley Royal Regatta chairman Sir Steve Redgrave from its coverage of the Olympic rowing in Paris this summer, causing the five-time champion to miss the Games for the first time in 40 years. Sir Steve, who has been at every Games since winning the first of his gold medals in 198...
EV hub grant
SONNING Common Parish Council may apply for funding to install electric vehicle charging points. A council meeting heard that Oxfordshire County Council planned to offer grants for EV infrastructure at village halls and community centres. Councillor Rick Scannell said: “I can’t think of any reas...
Digital tips
| A DIGITAL help club will be held at Sonning Common library from 10am to noon on Thursday. |
Row over suspended councillor
A COUNCILLOR who has been suspended by the Conservative Party after reposting an online message by a far-right party has been nominated for a new position. Last month, Kevin Bulmer, who represents Goring on Oxfordshire County Council, was suspended by Eddie Reeves, leader of the conservative party ...